iPhone 12 Pro Vs iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£205.00

Versus £879.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in late 2020, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in early 2022, offer distinct experiences within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices run on the same iOS ecosystem, the iPhone 12 Pro provides a more premium design and advanced camera system, whereas the iPhone SE 2022 focuses on a compact form factor combined with a newer, powerful processor.

Scores

Durability

When considering longevity, both devices offer robust build quality and Apple's consistent software support, though their release timelines create differences.

  • Software Updates: The iPhone SE 2022, being released nearly two years after the iPhone 12 Pro, is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer period, extending its practical software lifespan by approximately one to two years.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, offering enhanced drop protection and a more premium feel. It also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, slightly superior to the iPhone SE 2022's IP67 rating.
  • Repairability: Both models generally offer similar repairability profiles within the Apple ecosystem, with common components being serviceable by trained technicians.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the iPhone SE 2022 benefiting from a newer generation processor, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers more RAM.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a more recent processor, which translates to slightly faster app loading, smoother gaming, and more efficient handling of demanding tasks. The iPhone 12 Pro, with its still capable processor, delivers excellent performance for everyday use and most intensive applications.
  • Multitasking: The iPhone 12 Pro includes more RAM, which can provide a marginal advantage in keeping more applications open in the background without needing to reload them, benefiting heavy multitaskers. The iPhone SE 2022 handles multitasking well for most users.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro generally offers longer battery life for typical usage, including video playback and web browsing, due to its larger physical battery capacity. The iPhone SE 2022's smaller battery means heavy users may find themselves charging more frequently throughout the day.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display experience varies significantly between these two models, primarily due to differences in technology and size.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which provides deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The iPhone SE 2022 uses a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, offering good color accuracy and brightness, but without the same level of contrast or true black representation as OLED.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro has a higher resolution and pixel density, resulting in sharper text and more detailed images. The iPhone SE 2022's display is clear for its size but offers a lower pixel density.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 12 Pro's OLED screen can achieve higher peak brightness, making it more comfortable to view in direct sunlight. Its larger screen size also provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming compared to the more compact iPhone SE 2022.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

750 x 1334

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems present a clear distinction, with the iPhone 12 Pro offering a more versatile and advanced setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple-camera array, including Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses, providing greater flexibility for different shooting scenarios. It also includes a LiDAR Scanner for improved autofocus in low light and enhanced augmented reality experiences. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single Wide camera, which is capable of capturing good everyday photos.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 12 Pro supports Night mode portraits, Apple ProRAW for professional photo editing, and records video with Dolby Vision HDR, offering superior low-light performance and more advanced creative controls. The iPhone SE 2022 includes Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles, enhancing standard photos.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video. The iPhone 12 Pro's advanced sensors and processing can lead to better video quality, especially in challenging lighting. Both phones offer stereo speakers for a decent audio experience during media playback.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two iPhones.

  • Biometric Authentication: The iPhone 12 Pro uses Face ID for secure facial recognition, offering a modern, full-screen experience. The iPhone SE 2022 retains the classic Home button with Touch ID for fingerprint authentication, which some users prefer for its familiarity and speed.
  • Connectivity: Both models support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast wireless speeds. The iPhone 12 Pro also includes MagSafe technology, allowing for magnetic attachment of accessories and wireless chargers.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Pro features a larger, edge-to-edge display and a premium stainless steel frame, giving it a more modern and substantial feel. The iPhone SE 2022 maintains a compact, lightweight design with an aluminum frame, making it easier for one-handed use and fitting into smaller pockets.

Weight

187 g

144 g

Width

7.15 cm

6 cm

Height

14.67 cm

13 cm

Depth

0.74 cm

0,73 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback often highlights the iPhone 12 Pro for its premium feel, expansive OLED display, and versatile camera system, making it a strong choice for those who prioritize media consumption and photography. Some users note its larger size compared to older models. The iPhone SE 2022 is frequently praised for its compact form factor, the convenience of Touch ID, and the inclusion of a very capable processor in a more traditional design. Criticisms sometimes point to its smaller, older-style LCD display and less advanced camera compared to flagship models.

Users prioritizing a larger, vibrant OLED display, a comprehensive camera system with telephoto and advanced low-light capabilities, and a premium build will find the iPhone 12 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who prefer a compact device, the familiarity of Touch ID, and a newer processor for extended software support, without requiring the most advanced camera features, may lean towards the iPhone SE 2022. Both devices are excellent choices, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly way to enjoy either model while making an informed, sustainable choice.

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